The sower sows the word. And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.
These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble.
(Mark 4:14-17)
The word translated “stumble” is the same word that means “become offended.” How do they stumble? How do people who hear the Word and fall away or stumble? They become offended.
And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, ‘Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?’ And they were offended at Him.
(Mark 6:2-3)
The people in Nazareth became offended at Him. The scripture says that He could do no mighty works there because of their unbelief. Why did they have unbelief? Because they had become offended. They weren’t going to believe anything He said because He offended them.
“Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Eph. 4:26-27). How do we give place to the devil? We allow offenses to come in. Offenses are going to come. This is what you’ve got to understand. Offenses are going to come. You are not going to have to look for an opportunity to take offense.
The offense is going to look for you. The offense will find you. The decision is yours. Will you accept it? Will you receive it? Will you bring the offense into yourself? This is not something you can lay off on the person who sent the offense your way, because offenses will be sent your way. That’s what Jesus said. “Offenses will come.”
Why do people send offenses your way? The vast majority of people who offend you don’t deliberately try to. They may have major conflicts in their own lives that they can’t handle and they don’t know what to do, so they take it out on you. Don’t live your life believing that every one is out to get you. Because if you do, you play right into the devil’s hand and here’s how.
Offenses will steal the Word of God right out of your heart (Mark 4). Offenses will block the power and the anointing of God (Matt. 13). Offenses may cost you your life. They may cost you your sanity. Your mind affects your body. Your mind is affected by offenses. Your mind is affected by unforgiveness. Things you harbor in your heart affect your mind. There are people who literally die because of hatred in their hearts.
What do you do? You decide you are going to let it go. Who decides if you are going to let it go? Who decides if you are going to forgive? You do. The person who has been offended and hurt has to make the decision. Ask God for His grace to empower you to do what seems impossible – to let go of the offense and to forgive. You can overcome!
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.